Infective Endocarditis Complicated With a Large Left Coronary Cusp Aneurysm: A Condition With Undefined Natural History and Treatment

Am J Cardiol. 2024 Mar 1:214:105-108. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2023.12.046. Epub 2023 Dec 30.

Abstract

The natural history and treatment of an aortic cusp aneurysm with or without rupture because of native aortic valve infective endocarditis (NAV-IE) have not been well defined. This may explain why current guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease do not include this complication as an indication for surgical aortic valve replacement or repair or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We describe herein the first case of a man aged 76 years with multiple co-morbidities with a NAV-IE associated large left coronary cusp aneurysm with subsequent rupture and consequent severe aortic regurgitation and heart failure for which he underwent an off-label successful TAVR. This patient's scenario suggests that a cusp aneurysm because of NAV-IE poses a high risk for subsequent rupture, severe aortic regurgitation, and heart failure. In conclusion, TAVR may be a reasonable alternative to high-risk surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with NAV-IE associated cusp aneurysms with or without but impending rupture.

Keywords: TAVR; aortic valve; cusp aneurysm; infective endocarditis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm* / complications
  • Aortic Valve / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Valve / surgery
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency* / complications
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency* / diagnosis
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency* / surgery
  • Endocarditis* / complications
  • Endocarditis* / diagnosis
  • Endocarditis* / surgery
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial* / complications
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial* / diagnosis
  • Heart Failure* / complications
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement* / adverse effects